After a great response only 13 Seats are now available. We are filling fast for TASSIE TEMPTATIONS 2015 EFtP Departing Sunday 11 January 2015 - 25 January 2015 Highlights • Spirit of Tasmania • Launceston • Historic Ross • Historic Richmond • Hobart & The Salamanca Markets • Tasman Island Cruise and Port Arthur • Russell Falls • Franklin–Gordon Wild River National Parks • Queenstown • Gordon River Cruise • Cradle Mountain National Park • Arthur Pieman Conservation Area • Woolnorth Station Day 1 (D): SYDNEY TO WANGARATTA – Sunday 11 January, 2015 Welcome to our summer tour to Tasmania. What a fantastic state Tasmania is – and we’ve planned a wonderful tour. In the first part of our holiday, we’ll discover the history and the second part, the National Parks and wildlife! Once we have completed our passenger pickup service and loaded the coach we are ready to go! We head down the Hume Highway, stopping enroute for refreshment breaks. Later this afternoon we cross the border and head to Wangaratta for our first night’s accommodation. Day 2 (BLD): MELBOURNE - OVERNIGHT SPIRIT OF TASMANIA – Monday 12 January, 2015 Following a hearty breakfast we continue south stopping for our morning break at a suitable spot. Our lunch venue today is in Sunbury where we visit Rupertswood Mansion. After lunch we enjoy a guided tour which describes “Big Clarke” - Australias first millionaire and father of Sir William Clarke Australias 1st Baronet, the mansion and gardens, the Ashes story. It was here the burning of a cricket ball took place and the ashes presented in a small urn to the English cricket captain after Australia beat them for the first time on English soil on Christmas Eve 1882!! We now head into Melbourne and make our way to Port Melbourne to connect with our departure on the Spirit of Tasmania. While the coach is being loaded onto the cargo deck we can board. The cabins on the Spirit are quite small but very comfortable, with twin bed accommodation and ensuite bathroom. The facilities on the vessel are extensive with lounges, bars, shops and viewing areas. We have dinner on board this evening. Day 3 (BLD): DEVONPORT TO LAUNCESTON - Tuesday 13 January 2015 On arrival in Devonport, our coach is unloaded and we are ready to commence our tour of Tasmania. First stop is for a hearty breakfast before we drive to the centre of Devonport. From here there are some excellent views over the Mersey River and to the “Spirit of Tasmania” tied up at the wharf. This will be the best opportunity to take a photo of the ship. Our destination today is Launceston, but this morning, we visit Sheffield, a delightful township which sits in the shadows of Mt Roland and the Western Tiers. The town centre features many murals depicting the history of the area. Following some free time to discover the murals, and perhaps have a morning cuppa, we drive Elizabeth Town and stop for a light lunch. Travelling through pretty Deloraine, look out for the sculptures on the gas bottles! As we approach Launceston, we visit Entally House, one of Tasmania’s most historic Trust houses, thought to have been built in 1819. Entally House was opened to the public in 1950 and is justly proud of its magnificent collection of Regency furniture and fine silverware. Set in superb grounds and gardens, Entally has a green house, chapel, coach house and stables. After our visit we drive into Launceston and check into our next two nights accommodation. Day 4 (BD): THE TAMAR VALLEY - Wednesday 14 January 2015 Launceston is the centre of Tasmanias north, situated at the point where the South and North Esk Rivers meet to become the Tamar River, which then flows away to Bass Strait. The city nestles in the wide valleys formed by the river systems and is surrounded by mountains. Our first stop this morning is Cataract Gorge - a magnificent Reserve in the city centre. There are some pleasant walks through the landscaped gardens to the tea rooms, or those who are interested can take a ride on the chairlift (own expense) which crosses the gorge. Of the overall length of 457 metres, the 308 metre central span is claimed to be the longest single span in the world. We have some free time here to take the walk before we make our way north along the western side of the Tamar to Grindelwald, a Swiss style village with views across the valley. We continue to Exeter and Beaconsfield, site of Tasmanias largest gold discoveries and of course more recently the incredible rescue of two miners who were trapped underground in 2006. Here we visit the Beaconsfield Gold Mine and Heritage Museum (housing Australias only waterwheel-driven stamp battery). We cross the Batman Bridge for a close up view of the mighty Tamar River before driving down the eastern side. Our final stop for the day is Hillwood Strawberry Farm & Fruit Wine Centre. Here we enjoy some fruit wine, cheese and vinegar tastings and have the opportunity to stock up on some Tasmanian honeys, homemade jams and gourmet fruit sauces. Back in Launceston we have some time to relax or perhaps take a walk in City Park to see the monkeys! Day 5 (BD) LAUNCESTON TO HOBART - Thursday 15 January 2015 Departing Launceston, we will journey down what was the finest highway in Australia in its day. It was first known as the Main Road linking Launceston & Hobart, then for some 55 years became the Midland Highway & now High One or the Heritage Highway. Our first stop is at Longford and the historic Woolmers Estate, which was settled by Thomas Archer in 1816; it is the oldest property in Australia to have been owned by the one family. We will then travel through Campbelltown, which began as a staging town on the Elizabeth River. Then onto Ross, a garrison town with a Government Stock Run, a race course & the 4 corners – Temptation, Salvation, Damnation & Recreation. It also has the most beautiful of the remaining old bridges in Australia, with over 100 old buildings from last century. We have time to stretch our legs and purchase lunch - the smell emanating from the local bakery is very tempting! This afternoon we continue south to Richmond. Proclaimed a town in 1824 it is a good example of Tasmania’s stark convict heritage and beautiful historic buildings. Nestled in the Coal river valley, this classified historic town is famous for its Georgian architecture and the convict-built Richmond Bridge. The stone buildings now house galleries, craft boutiques and museums. There is also a gaol here that predates Port Arthur by five years and is one of the best preserved Australian colonial prisons. We enjoy a stop here before making our way into Hobart. We settle into our accommodation – home for the next 4 nights. Day 6 (BLD): HOBART & CURRINGA FARM - Friday 16 January 2015 Set between the towering peak of Mount Wellington and the Derwent River, Hobart is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded in 1804, Hobart is Australias second oldest capital and everywhere you go the past steps out to meet you. Sullivans Cove is lined with sandstone warehouses reflecting the areas rich maritime history and at Battery Point tiny cottages vie for space with grand mansions and Victorian terraces. This morning we are joined by a local guide who will show us the sights of this historic city. Saying farewell to our guide, we now visit The Cascades Female Factory which was a self-contained, purpose-built institution intended to reform female convicts, where the inmates did laundry and needlework services, offsetting some of the colonys penal costs. Today, we have a “part history lesson, part roaming theatre show” as we follow Her Story - an accurate and emotional depiction of the harsh life within the Cascades Female Factory in 1833. Her Story will help us to really understand the significance of this place and what happened here. We now head to New Norfolk to enjoy our picnic lunches, then this afternoon to nearby Hamilton and Curringa Farm. Tim and Jane Parsons are sixth generation farmers in the Derwent Valley of Tasmania. They and their staff extend the best of country hospitality to all guests. The property covers 750 acres of rolling hills and country views, lake frontage with natural bush patches and a strong Landcare focus. There are 3,000 sheep producing 12,000 kilograms of wool per year, mixed cropping of cabbages, pasture seed, peas and alkaloids. Curringa Farm is a perfect place for visitors to learn about Tasmanian wool production and farming activities. Tim and Jane run the property with ecology in mind. Providing habitat for native birds and animals whilst nurturing crops and pastures to obtain quality produce that is expected from clean green agriculture. During the visit to their farm, learn about current best practice and how they integrate tourism with agriculture for a unique experiential occasion. It’s also our afternoon tea stop and today we can enjoy a piece of the now famous “Shearers Cake”. The farm is home to the internationally acclaimed Royal Danish Sweetheart Cake. Jane’s mouth watering recipe was selected from three Tasmanian nominations by the oldest bakery in Denmark, Conditori La Glace. The Sweetheart Cakes originated in 1870, when Conditori La Glace was founded in the middle of Copenhagen. At that time the Sweetheart Cakes were a kind of bun with a “conditor devise” put inside, which was a love poem. This enabled you to give your loved one a greeting without embarrassment. As Princess Mary is from Tasmania, a Tasmanian recipe was required for the tradition. This recipe and cake will remain prominent in the bakery and be a focal point for lovers and sweethearts, until the descendants of Mary and Frederick become engaged. After a great day we return to Hobart and our hotel for dinner. Day 7 (BD): SALAMANCA MARKETS & THE HUON VALLEY - Saturday 17 January 2015 We’re lucky enough to be in Hobart on a Saturday, so this morning we head to the famous Salamanca Markets where hundreds of stallholders set up their stalls along the elm tree lined street every Saturday, drawing large crowds. We have some free time here to wander and perhaps buy a souvenir of our holiday. Mid morning we re-join the coach and spend the rest of the day in the Huon Valley, an area to the south of Hobart. The Huon Valley and DEntrecasteaux Channel provide some of the most picturesque touring in Tasmania. We take the Channel Highway and head across to Huonville in the hub of the valley. We travel onto Geeveston where we stop briefly at the Forest & Heritage Centre before driving to the Tahune Air Walk to experience a walk through the tree top canopy. Following our visit we return to Hobart with time to relax before dinner. Day 8 (BD): PORT ARTHUR: Sunday 18 January 2015 We have a fabulous day in store today. An early start as we make our way towards Port Arthur where we join Tasman Island Cruises. This world class eco-adventure cruise travels along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck, southern Tasmania – an area not seen by many visitors before! One of the highlights of the cruise is Tasman Island, a great landmark of the Southern Ocean – its slender white lighthouse is still a beacon for seafarers entering Storm Bay including during the famous annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Few places on earth have such a rich variety of marine wildlife and seabirds. The Continental Shelf runs close to Tasman Island and an upwelling of nutrient from the oceans depths creates a smorgasbord for all the creatures in the complex food chain of the sea, from plankton and birdlife such as albatross to sharks, dolphins and southern right whales. Wow – this cruise will be a highlight of our tour! Lunch time now as we enter the Port Arthur Historic Site. After time to purchase lunch, we can explore the site. The penal settlement is a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by the earliest European inhabitants of this one time island jail. The ruins are the greatest single tourist attraction in the Tasmania and the place where up to 12,000 prisoners were kept in an atmosphere of hopelessness and misery. Even though the Tasman Peninsula is spectacular, you can imagine the conditions, especially on a cold winters day, endured by the prisoners 150 years ago. The first part of our tour involves time at the Visitor Interpretative Centre where we take a fascinating journey, retracing the life of a convict from the time of his petty crime in England, to his transportation to Port Arthur and finally his life in the penal colony. We then take a guided walking tour through the Penal Settlement. There is plenty of time to further explore the settlement. If we wish, we can also take a cruise around the harbour where we pass the Isle of Dead. It was here that around 1000 convicts and ex-convict paupers were mostly buried in unmarked graves. After a great day, we make our way back to Hobart diverting along the way to visit Do Town and the view Tasman Arch. Day 9 (BLD): HOBART TO THE WEST COAST Monday 19 January 2015 We say farewell to our hosts early this morning and begin our journey to the West Coast. The area to our immediate left is part of the huge South West National Park, which, combined with the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park makes up almost a full, one third, of the land mass of Tasmania. Of course much of this area is now World Heritage Listed. We stop at the beautiful Russell Falls in the Mt Field National Park for our morning break – and a great photo opportunity. We then continue on to Derwent Bridge (the geographical centre of Tasmania) where we stop to view - the Wall in the Wilderness. The “wall” is a work in progress which will take several more years to complete. The panels, when complete, will measure 100 metres in length. In the reception area, there are many three dimensional sculptures to view. We then enjoy a late lunch at the Wilderness Hotel. This afternoon, we drive through the pristine wilderness of the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park through some of the states most spectacular lakes and mountain areas before the steep drive into Queenstown, a town which was established as a result of the discovery of gold and other minerals at Mount Lyell last century. Queenstown is surrounded by mountains, which were once covered in vegetation but which are now strangely bare and stained purple, grey and pink by from sulphur fumes from mining processes. Bushfires and logging, combined with heavy rain which washed the soil away, have stripped many of the hills of vegetation and created Queenstown’s famous “moonscape”. Day 10 (BLD): THE GORDON RIVER AND STRAHAN - Tuesday 20 January 2015 We have a fascinating day today. After an early breakfast we travel across to Strahan, 40 kilometres away on the shores of Macquarie Harbour. This region which today produces magnificent Ocean Trout, treats visitors to spectacular scenery and protects its ancient Huon Pines, was once known as “hell on earth” when Sarah Island was established as Tasmania’s first and most brutal penal settlement. Our cruise takes us through Hells Gates, the narrow entry into the harbour from the Southern Ocean and a dramatic cruise on the Gordon River. The Huon Pine which can be found in this area is commonly known to live for 2000 years. The age of an ancient tree recently “discovered” was put at 10,000 years and if verified will be recognised as the oldest on earth. We have the opportunity at Heritage Walk to see these and other trees of the dense forest close up. It’s a great day topped off with a beautiful lunch. We return to Strahan midafternoon with time at leisure to explore the village before returning to Queenstown. Day 11 (BLD): CRADLE MOUNTAIN TO SMITHTON - Wednesday 21 January 2015 Departing Queenstown, we make our way through Tullah and into the Cradle Mountain National Park. We take a tour of the National Park including Waldheim and Dove Lake. We enjoy our lunch in the nearby Cradle Mountain Chateau and have plenty of time to look at the stunning Wilderness Gallery. Our last stop in this area is a visit to Devils @ Cradle, a new Tasmanian Devil interpretation centre. Our guide will introduce us to the lifestyle of the alpine Tasmanian devil. We then enter a special viewing area for our encounter with the real thing. We may see the devils sunbaking, sleeping in the dens or running around in their enclosures. Our guide will gently handle some of the devils during our tour, and there may be an opportunity for us to touch one. This venture is totally committed to the conservation and protection of this now vulnerable species. The centre operates a successful captive breeding program, ensuring the ongoing survival of Tasmanian Devils in healthy numbers in the wild. Leaving the park, we drive north to the join the coastal road then travel west to Smithton for our final two nights in Tasmania. Day 12: (BLD) THE ARTHUR PIEMAN CONSERVATION AREA - Thursday 22 January 2015 This morning we head to a truly remote and beautiful part of Tasmania. On the far north-west coast, the Arthur River winds through pristine wilderness. The Arthur River is one of the States seven major rivers, but it is the only one which is completely wild, having never been logged, dammed or had a hot fire through the rainforest for almost 650 years. During our cruise on the river the local guides will impart a wealth of knowledge on the plant life, the history of the area and of the Aboriginal tribes who once lived here. The sea eagles, which we will feed, are completely wild and nest on the bank of the river. A BBQ lunch is supplied. Later this afternoon, we return to Tall Timbers with time to relax before dinner. Day 13 (BLD): WOOLNORTH STATION & THE NORTH COAST – Friday 23 January 2015 Farewelling Smithton for now our morning visit is to Woolnorth Station which covers more than 22,000 hectares in the far north west corner of Tasmania. This property is owned by the Van Diemans Land Company, which began in 1825 from a Royal Charter from King George IV. It is the only company in the world still operating under such a charter. Most of Tasmania’s native animals abound on Woolnorth Station including wallaby, wombats, echidnas, bandicoots, platypus, sugar gliders, quolls, devils & others. In fact the last 4 Tasmanian Tigers ever captured were caught at Woolnorth and sent to the Domain Zoo in Hobart. A Station Guide will accompany us & our first stop will be at the Wind Farm, then to Cape Grim before our BBQ lunch. Our journey in the Apple Isle will nearly be over now as we make our way back to the historic town of Stanley. Here we can take in the great views from the Nut (optional chairlift at own expense). At Burnie, we visit the Makers Workshop – this new modern facility has interpretive displays and studios for working artists. We can enjoy a papermaking tour with Creative Paper and learn how ancient paper making techniques are used to create beautiful, eco friendly Tasmanian papers. We will also learn how we use materials such as recycled denim jeans, natural plant fibres, apples and even Roo Poo to make paper. We also have the opportunity to make our own sheet of paper!!… So roll up those sleeves and get ready for a creative experience of a life time… Whilst at the Makers Workshop, marvel at the life-sized paper mache people sculptures. These characters, made entirely from paper, each have a story to tell and are a big part of Creative Papers attraction. Our final visit is to Hellyers Road Distillery, Australias largest distiller of Australian single malt whisky and proudly Tasmanian. The Hellyers Road Whisky range is complemented with one of Australias best boutique vodkas and a superb Whisky Cream liqueur. The distilling process uses only the finest Tasmanian produce, including some of the worlds purest drinking water, delivered on the winds of the roaring 40s. We now head back to Devonport via the Bass Highway where we board the Spirit of Tasmania for our return cruise to the mainland. Dinner will once again be onboard the Ship. Day 14: (BLD) MELBOURNE TO ALBURY - Saturday 24 January 2015 The “Spirit of Tasmania” sails through the Port Phillip Heads and into Melbourne very early this morning. It may be a little cold on the outside deck but the views of the city of Melbourne are well worth the discomfort! We enjoy breakfast at a local venue before we begin our journey north. Our lunch stop is in the delightful town of Benalla at the Bowling Club. This afternoon, we detour from the Hume Highway to the village of Milawa - the gourmet food area of North East Victoria! It’s here we visit the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory, for a tasting. Just near the Crossroads is Milawa Mustards located in the Old Emu Inn building (1861) which once served goldminers en route to the Ovens Valley, bullock teams supplying the goldfields and Cobb & Co coaches which once used it as a stopover. The musical accomplishments of the licensees daughters made the inn something of an entertainment centre. The building later served as the Milawa police station, with the old lock-up (brought from Beechworth by bullock team at the end of the 19th century) still on the property, as is a 19th-century barn made of handmade bricks from clay dug out in the cellar. And from here, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to Brown Brothers Winery where we enjoy a wine tasting. Back on the highway, we continue to Albury for our final night’s accommodation. Day 15 (B): ALBURY TO SYDNEY – Sunday 25 January, 2015 All good things must come to an end and so must our holiday. After completing our checkout procedures we drive home to Sydney to complete an amazing holiday! All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. Tour Cost (GST inclusive) $3885 per person twin share $ 799.00 single supplemen Tour Inclusions • 12 nights motel accommodation as per confirmation • 2 nights porthole cabins on Spirit of Tasmania – MEL/DPO/MEL • 12 cooked motel breakfasts and two others – see below • 12 motel dinners and two others – see below • Entry to Rupertswood Mansion, lunch then tour of the mansion • Breakfast at Argosy Motor Inn, Devonport • Light lunch at Elizabeth Town Bakery • Talk and tour of Entally Estate, Hadspen • Entry & tour Beaconsfield Gold Mine & Museum, Tamar Valley • Visit to Hillwood Berry farm for tastings and icecream • Tour of Woolmers Estate (house) and self-guided tour of gardens • Locally guided tour of Hobart • Entry to The Cascades Female Factory, Hobart, “Her Story” play • Picnic lunches on Day 6 Visit to Curringa Farm for guided tour, demonstration and afternoon tea, Hamilton • Entry to Tahune Airwalk, Huon Valley A NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $100 PAYABLE ON BOOKING TRAVEL INSURANCE IS SUGGESTED ALL ENQUIRIES TO: AUSSIE SIGHTS COACH TOURS 02 96449005 0407 924487 [email protected] PO BOX 177 GRANVILLE 2142
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 11:41:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015